Interview: Dr. Kizner, New Harrisonburg Schools Superintendent

“I’ll never accept as a reason that a child cannot succeed and excel,” says Dr. Scott Kizner, Harrisonburg’s newly appointed Superintendent of schools. The city school board unanimously approved today Kizner’s four-year contract to start on July 1, 2010 with an annual salary of $141,000. (See full press release)

Dr. Kizner , currently in his sixth year as Superintendent of the Martinsville (VA) City Public Schools (MCPS), was one of three finalists for the Harrisonburg position from among 20 candidates from Virginia and other states, according to city school board documents. In taking the Harrisonburg position, Kizner will also be taking an annual salary cut from $143,000+ contract awarded by Martinsville in 2008. Martinsville has an annual budget of around $22 million compared to Harrisonburg’s almost $56 million for ‘09-’10. Westerly (RI) Public Schools, where Kizner also served as Superintendent for six years, has a budget of about $50 million.

In his first interview after his appointment, Kizner noted his “excitement and desire to get to know the school system and people of Harrisonburg” as his first item of business. Kizner is no stranger to Harrisonburg, though. The New York native earned his Master of Arts degree from James Madison University and currently has a daughter attending JMU. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with JMU and the other area institutions on everything from early childhood through high school,” said Kizner.

Among his Martinsville tenure highlights, Kizner said he is proud of a program that works with parents (68% of students live in single parent home, according to MCPS)across the school system in an effort to have all students apply for college, whether they plan to attend or not. “From my work in special education,” said Kizner, “I know you have to start with every child’s strengths and then work hard to raise their standards.” Martinsville requires that all students complete 40 hours of service learning/community service prior to graduation.

Kizner also noted his support for the arts, remarking that during tough budget decisions he has “never touched his arts budgets.” “Arts are the reason that some kids wake up to go to school. For some kids who may be struggling, this is how they best express themselves.” An arts-mentoring program in MCPS is set to receive recognition from Virginia Tech, according to Kizner.

Kizner plans to move to Harrisonburg with his family in the beginning of July. At the time of this posting, a Martinsville School Board member had not yet returned a request for comment.

In Support of the 10-Point Grading ScaleTweetSwitching to the 10-point system will not lower the bar for Rockingham Co. students because their teachers will likely change the manner in which they grade slightly enough to make...

EMU Students Contend in Business CompetitionTweetHARRISONBURG – They came, they collaborated, they crunched the numbers and were rewarded for their efforts in a grueling regional business competition sponsored by Goodman & Company, a major Virginia accounting firm. A...

Harrisonburg Hosts Bike VirginiaTweetPress Release from Harrisonburg Tourism Bike Virginia the Shenandoah Expedition starts its journey in Staunton on Friday June 25, 2010, arriving in Harrisonburg on Monday June 28th. This five day tour...

Harrisonburg Earth Week 2010 Begins!TweetHarrisonburg Earth Week 2010, which began Saturday, April 17th, will feature a variety of workshops, talks, movies, and other events addressing the central theme “Celebrating Earth: Building a Sustainable Community”....